Hi, I’m Mike.

I’m a father, a landscape photographer, and a bit of a computer geek.

Growing up as a military brat, I was lucky enough to live in and explore a variety of places, from Fairbanks, Alaska to Aschaffenburg, Germany and a few places in between. My parents frequently took me and my brothers fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. Many of my fondest memories were created outdoors. I learned to love exploring a place and getting to know it like a good friend, learning those intimate details which often go unnoticed and make the place special. Even when we weren’t on a grand adventure, I would spend my days exploring whatever natural places I could find nearby.

When I was in high school my father gave me a gift, a Minolta Maxxum 5000 with a 50mm prime lens. I was immediately captivated. I could capture these places so I could show others what I’m seeing. I could have something to look at, to remember that moment and how it felt to be there. And maybe, that by sharing it, someone else could feel like that too.

Thirty-five years later, I’m still learning, growing, and chasing light.

My hope is that by sharing these places with you in their most magnificent and intimate moments, that I can convey the feeling of “being there”. I hope to inspire the sense of awe, wonder, and reverence that I feel. And that you might find your own wanderlust, seek to find and explore unspoiled places, be immersed in their beauty, and find yourself renewed in the experience.

When adventuring I do my best to respect the place I’m visiting, to Leave No Trace, and when possible leave it better than I found it. This is why I am a proud member of the Nature First photography alliance.

In a time where technology has enabled the rapid sharing of natural beauty with the world, complete with GPS coordinates of the location, there has arisen a need to be more mindful of our numerous footsteps in these places and with whom we share exact locations. A pretty picture is less than worthless if the subject is destroyed in the process of taking or sharing it. There are seven simple guidelines which, if followed, can help preserve the natural beauty we photograph for generations to come. These are:

• Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
• Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
• Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.
• Use discretion if sharing locations.
• Know and follow rules and regulations.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
• Actively promote and educate others about these principles